The mission of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is to assist small and medium-sized firms engaged in international trade. The Connecticut Office of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service achieves this mission by providing one-on-one export counseling services, foreign contact and sales leads, and foreign market and trade event information.
Being the premier government organization involved in international trade with a worldwide field presence, the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service can offer a unique internship opportunity in international business. To learn more about our organization please visit: www.trade.gov/export-solutions.
The purpose of the internship is three-fold:
1) To provide a problem-solving perspective within a “real world” professional environment.
2) To provide the student with the ability to creatively link the academic world with practical and immediate tasks and goals.
3) To provide the student with an inside awareness of the agencies, individuals, and programs associated with the export promotion arm of the U.S. Federal Government.
Throughout the internship, students conduct a host of duties that include but are not limited to:
- *Communication/Journalism write U.S Company Success Stories-Winter 2022, Spring 2023*
- Research Connecticut companies to determine the extent of their international activities
- Assist Connecticut companies in locating foreign agents and distributors for their products
- Pursue foreign sales leads provided by commercial officers at U.S. embassies abroad
- Respond to telephone and email inquiries concerning international trade
- Perform international market research
- Organize trade event logistics
- Compose marketing correspondence
The value of the internship is centered on the research and outreach that the student will perform for the office staff. Not only will the intern gain an insight into international market research and exporting, but the student also acquires an understanding of the resources available to businesses who seek to penetrate overseas markets on their own.
Student Eligibility
The prospective student must:
1. Be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited institution and recommended by a school official
2. Be at least 16 years old
3. Be a U.S. citizen
4. Meet the Department’s policy on employment of relatives
5. Meet security or fitness requirements
6. Be able to dedicate a minimum of 3 months, 12 hours per week, to the internship
Contact: Anthony.Sargis@trade.gov
Check with your school’s Internship Coordinator BEFORE accepting the hiring offer to determine if this position satisfies the criteria for receiving academic credit.